Bakwena confirms N4 route upgrades well on track

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Mongezi Mtati

Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena) has confirmed that the upgrades along the N4 Bakwena route are progressing well. The current upgrades include the addition of a 32km of a second carriageway on the N4 between the M17 and R512 (Brits Interchange).

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Part of this upgrade also includes additions and extensions to 5 existing bridges which cross the section of the N4 being dualled.

Recent developments include the dualling of the N4 bridge which crosses the Crocodile River. This bridge has five spans, each consisting of 10 precast reinforced concrete beams. Each beam weighs 26 tonnes and is individually transported via a process which involved a horse truck on the one side and a steering trailer where a crane lifts each individual beam onto the bridge piers structure for it to be secured.

The expected completion time for the dualling of the bridge is the end of March 2020.

The upgrades along the Bakwena route are progressing well. Bakwena’s commercial manager, Solomon Kganyago, says that the project cost of the current N4 upgrade is R582m with a 36-month construction period that is scheduled to be completed in June 2021.

"The addition of the carriageway will enhance motorists’ driving experience and improve their overall safety on the route," says Kganyago.